11th Anniversary – Weekend at Grand Hyatt Doha

We celebrated our 11th wedding Anniversary on 26 March.  How time flies when you are having fun!!  We decided to spoil ourselves with a night out at the new Hyatt hotel here in Doha.

In the morning, the kids came out to join us for the day at the hotel where we enjoyed ourselves around the pool.  Johnathan said later during the week that he wanted to go back to the hotel.  When asked why, he said it would be great to hang out, play “what’s the time Mr Wolf” in the water, and just order food when we get hungry!!  These kids enjoy the good life…

Easter at Susie's Nursery

A nice picture from Susannah's nursery where they have been enjoying a few Easter activities this week.

Back at the Singing Dunes

Last weekend we were back at the singing dunes, this time we organised for a group of friends (and friends of friends) to head out.  All up about nine families. A fun afternoon and evening for all, climbing the dunes, exploring the desert (Johnathan had fun wandering around with his friend Matty), bbq’ing, and sitting around the fire.  Thanks to everyone who came along to make it a great evening!

                     

                             Everyone has a go at climbing the dune.                       Johnathan takes a break.

                                     Susannah leads the way.                       Cars gathered around.

Susannah imitates the lizard we saw scurrying through the sand at the top of the dune.

Bugs in the Shrubs!

Johnathan's had his annual school production this week, this year it was "Bugs in the Shrubs". He had a speaking role this time (rather than just showing of his dancing skills like he did last year). He had to say, "I am now a beautiful butterfly", he did it very well. It was a great show with kids, teachers, and parents all enjoying it.

Susannah provided the warm up act again this year. She also raised a chuckle from the crowd when she yelled out Johnathan's name when she saw him on the stage during the show.



The caterpillars in their cocoons before emerging as beautiful butterflies.


Now butterflies on the stage!


Johnathan after the show, very pleased with his performance.


The DVD is being release soon...

Susannah starts ballet and swimming lessons

Susannah has recently started ballet lessons and is also joining the swimming club Johanathan goes to.

Here she is trying on her new ballet outfit and testing out some moves.

And here she tries on her new swimming cap and goggles in preparation for her first swimming lesson.

Kids enjoy some shirt painting.

Johnathan and Susannah used their t-shirt painting set to come up with their own creations.

Here is Johnathan's effort. He wanted to have "I am a rock star" on the back, this is a favourite expression of his friend Aden, who yells it out whenever he scores in a game!

And this is Susie's effort. On the back, she started with her name then went on to use almost the rest of the alphabet!

Monica runs in a mini marathon

Monica took on the challeng of running a mini marathon, at 4.2km it is 10% of the real thing.

The ladies at the start, ready to go.


Monica, smiling at the start of the race.


The ladies ready to run in their Abayas, this was the second start for the shorter distance...

Monica, still smiling as she approaches the finish.

Visit to the "Singing" Dunes

David's work organised an evening at the "singing" dunes, so called because when you walk or run down them, the movement of the sand makes a humming noise - quite unique apparantly! They are about an hour drive out of Doha and are not far from the massive US airforce base here. So you can sit on top of the dunes, watch the sunset over the desert, and watch the US bombers take off and land.

It was a very pleasant afternoon/evening complete with BBQ and a bonfire where the kids toasted marshmallows.

Johnathan at the top of the dune.



Susannah makes the last dash for the top. Climbing the dunes is very hard work.

A well earned rest at the top of the dune.


The 4WD's lined up at the bottom of the dune. You can see how steep the dunes are here!

School Holiday Fun

It was mid term break during February (not that long after Christmas holidays, these kids have an easy life)! Monica took most of the week off work to spend time with the kiddies.

They went to Doha zoo with Johnathan's friend Scott Lee. Can't say Doha zoo is that impressive (and in some cases, quite appalling conditions for the animals) but it is something to do here!


Johnathan also invited a few of his school friends around for a play. As you can see here, they all managed to cram into Susie's playhouse.

Update on life in Doha since returning from our Christams trip to Australia

It has been a long time since the last blog entry. Life here is back to its usual pace with lots going on at home, work, and school. The next few blogs will provide a bit of an update on what has been going on...


Susannah got a bike for Christmas, it was waiting for her when we got back from Australia.